JULIA'S CLASSIC FRENCH BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Boil the sugar and water in a saucepan without stirring until it "clears." Boil until it reaches 238 degrees. In a separate bowl, combine 1 egg and the 3 egg yolks. Whisk them as you slowly pour the boiled sugar syrup from your saucepan into the bowl. Beat this mixture over hot water 7-8 minutes until it thickens. It will make a ribbon AFTER you remove it from the heat if it is thick enough. Set aside; allow to cool. Once it has cooled, add 1/2 pound of softened butter and beat it into the yolk mixture. Add 1 t. vanilla or kirsch for flavor. If the frosting separates after you add the flavors, add some more butter and continue beating until consistent. Beat until light and fluffy. Frost your cake. Julia slices her genoise cake into two layers, then sprinkles kirsch or simple syrup on the top of each piece before frosting. Reassemble cake, frost the outer portion. Voila!